Ridge Trail Stats
Mileage: 5.5km/3.41miles
Elevation gain: 244m/800ft
Litter collected: 12 pieces
Total Hike Stats
Total mileage: 10.6km/6.58miles
Elevation gain: 391m/1,283ft
Some sections of the Ridge Trail seem unusual, and only appealing to completionists such as myself. This is true of the section between Cull Canyon and Don Pedro Recreation Areas in the Castro Valley. We started our hike at Cull Canyon, where there is a large parking lot. While there are no bathrooms at the parking lot, there are some nearby at the swimming lagoon (just follow the signs). The lagoon itself was closed for the season, but we were still able to access the porta potties, water fountain and picnic tables.
The walk begins as a trail through trees, but quickly pops out to run along the roadside and up past Canyon Middle School. It continues in this way, bouncing between tree-lined paths and busy roads, for the entire section. While not unpleasant, it is a little odd and not cohesive. If you keep a sharp eye out for the Ridge Trail signs it is fairly easy to follow.
We weren’t out for a long day of hiking, so simply went as far as the Don Pedro Recreation Area before turning around. The trip back was much easier to navigate, I think partly because we knew it wasn’t going to feel cohesive.
After our hike, we headed to Birdhouse Taproom in Union City - a great little spot with a vibrant outdoor space. Unfortunately their kitchen was closed when we got there, so we made do with our hiking snacks and fortunately the excellent beer selection gave us plenty of options to wash them down with.
October 24, 2026
